A well-designed HVAC system is vital for a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but it’s also a major investment. Everyone deserves the most productive comfort solutions achievable, which is why HVAC rebates are so beneficial. They can help guarantee high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners and other equipment is more affordable.
HVAC efficiency standards are increasing next year, so now’s an ideal time to check out your options. Various companies, organizations and even government entities are extending rebates in 2023 to help everyone acquire a new, high-efficiency HVAC system.
Furnace Rebates Require High Efficiency Models
Lots of manufacturers of high-efficiency furnaces provide rebates toward the cost of a new system. These furnaces incorporate energy-efficient components like variable-speed blower motors, which let the thermostat refine how much heating is produced. It’s a fantastic way to decrease energy use overall. Local utilities also share furnace rebates as less energy use translates to less strain on the local energy grid.
The government’s ENERGY STAR® program is also helpful for securing a furnace rebate. You can submit your ZIP Code to find out which rebates you might be approved for. Equipment displaying the ENERGY STAR® rating means it meets your region’s standards for energy-efficient comfort.
Rebates for Air Conditioning Systems
Many of the same rebates for high-efficiency furnaces are also suitable for air conditioners. You can save hundreds on new installation for equipment from a leading brand like Lennox. Just consult your local utility companies to learn which makes and models are entitled. What’s more, you can often bundle federal and local rebates for even more savings. Don’t hesitate to see what all you can find, because it can quickly add up to 10% of a new, high-efficiency AC system
2023's Rebates for Smart Home Accessories Like Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat is an incredibly valuable upgrade to your home comfort system. With intelligent programming, you can enhance the daily schedule. Utility companies appreciate this kind of efficiency, and so most extend rebate programs for new smart thermostats. In time, these rebates essentially enable you to get a free smart thermostat!
These utility companies also offer programs where they provide lower rates for the ability to adjust your thermostat during peak energy use. This helps avoid strain on the grid, particularly when heat waves or cold fronts come through. When participating in this program, your thermostat will automatically be corrected by a few degrees.
More Cost-Saving Options: High Efficiency Products and Home Improvement Credits
Slightly different from rebates, tax credits are also offered for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient HVAC systems. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act reactivated a program in 2021 that supplied credits for up to 10% of the project’s cost. The new credits are now worth 30% of the cost and can be claimed every year rather than only once. These credits are obtainable for a much larger variety of projects, such as home energy audits, electrical, insulation, ventilation, and even your doors and windows! The programs are fashioned to share the most benefits for lower-income households, maximizing the improvements to HVAC efficiency all over the country.
New Legislation for Heat Pump Rebates
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act incorporated separate legislation referred to as the High-Efficiency Electric Homes and Rebates Act, or HEEHRA. This incentive is particularly aimed toward heat pump technology, which transfers heat instead of creating it by combusting fuel. To persuade more people to transition to this energy-efficient comfort system, these rebates are considerably higher compared to incentives for AC systems and furnaces.
If a household’s income is less than 80% of the local median, you are able to use the rebates to cover 100% of the costs of a new heat pump. Households making 80-150% of the average income can cover 50% of equipment and installation costs.